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T O P I C R E V I E W

Tykeanaut

50th International Paris Air Show

The International Paris Air Show is organised by Salon International de l'Aeronautique et de l'Espace (SIAE), a subsidiary of Groupement des Industries Françaises Aéronautiques et Spatiales (GIFAS).

The 50th Paris Air Show will take place at Le Bourget exhibition centre from 17 to 23 June 2013, and will once again bring together all the industry's players across the globe to showcase the latest technological innovations. The first 4 days of the Show, exclusively for trade visitors, are followed by 3 days for the general public.

spaceman

I've just seen that Buzz Aldrin is doing a book signing at the air show. Are any other astronauts making an appearance?

Meet with Buzz Aldrin in the U.S. Pavilion Lounge to discuss his new book titled Mission to Mars, followed by a book signing. (Limited copies are available) Open to US Pavilion participants with RSVP.

Tykeanaut

Unfortunately that's not one of the "public days". Perhaps he'll leave some signed copies to sell later?

Robert Pearlman

quote:Originally posted by spaceman:There are usually ESA astronauts and other international guests.

From ESA's "call for media" at the Paris Air Show:

Friday 21 June – Sunday 23 June

During the public days, media and the general public will have the opportunity to learn more about human spaceflight and operations activities. Of special interest will be the presence of ESA astronauts Jean-François Clervoy and Léopold Eyharts, who will talk about their spaceflight experience.

(Thanks to Kirsten for the heads-up!)

Tykeanaut

We went to Paris for a week and got back last night.

It was the 50th anniversary of the air-show.

Went to a lecture given by Leopold Eyharts. Probably very good, had it been in English!

Fighter jet flight displays were great although the highlight for me was the Airbus 380. Very graceful, like a flying dolphin! It can take off very quickly over a short run-way with a fairly steep climb, I was surprised.

Kirsten

quote:Originally posted by Tykeanaut:Went to a lecture given by Leopold Eyharts. Probably very good, had it been in English!

So they still (almost) only speak French there? I had the same problem there in 1999, my French isn't that tremendous. Know that there are not too many French people who speak English, but I hoped that would have changed during the past ten years...

Robonaut

I have met many of the French astronauts over the years and they all spoke excellent English. Perhaps, it was because they were in France that they were speaking French.

Kirsten

Astronauts and ESA employees, yes. But the rest of the people...

Tykeanaut

Unfortunately we (the UK) are a bit lazy with languages. However, most Parisians do know English pretty well as I find out every time I try out my French. This is why I hoped it may have been in English or some of the talk at least.

David Bryant

'WE English'? LOL! Linda and I are both fluent in French: it's the only way to guarantee good service in a Parisian restaurant.

Expecting the lecture to be in English would be like a German guest at Autographica expecting Alan Bean to give his lecture in German!

Blackarrow

David, don't you realise that English is the new "lingua franca"?

Tykeanaut

I realise there are those who have no problems with foreign languages. However some "Brits" are not gifted in other languages.